Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program

ABSTRACT

An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus which provides an image with an extended region of a size suitable for performing block processing. In order to achieve the object, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an input unit for inputting image data and printer setting information of the image data; and an extended region computing unit for dividing the image data into a block region and computing an extended region of the divided block region based on the printer setting information. The apparatus also includes a generating unit for generating a processed block region with the extended region added to the block region; and a processing unit for performing image processing on the processed block region produced by the generating unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an imageprocessing method, and a program which provide an image with an extendedregion of a size suitable for performing block processing.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recent copiers have rapidly expanded their functions and improved imagequality as digitization advances with image processing inside copiers(internal image processing). In an attempt to provide highly enhancedreproducibility of documents, internal image processing has constantlyundergone improvements in resolution from 600 dpi through 1200 dpi to2400 dpi and in the number of signal bits from 8 bits through 10 bits to12 bits. Under these circumstances, internal image processing may beperformed as band processing, e.g., filtering may be performed when apixel of interest requires the data of its neighboring pixels. Toperform such processing, a massive memory capacity for storing such datawill be required depending on the resolution and the number of signalbits.

In this context, as an alternative technique to band processing,attention has now focused on block processing. Block processing is atechnique for dividing an input image into regions (blocks) of a certainsize to perform image processing block by block. Block processing may beadopted to perform, e.g., filtering which requires the data ofsurrounding pixels. In this case, some overlapping regions ofneighboring blocks need to be added to the periphery of the processedblock.

The above-described added overlapping region (extended region) isdetermined uniquely depending on the filter size. When image processingis performed several times, the extended region is determined as the sumof the extensions required for the respective image processing steps. Acertain extended region defined by the filter size is provided to ablock, thereby produced is the block attached with the extension forexecuting block processing. Such block processing makes it possible tosignificantly reduce the required amount of memory compared with bandprocessing and also enables parallel processing (Japanese PatentLaid-Open No. 2002-288654 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.2000-312311.)

However, the above-described conventional technique inevitably requiresto always provide an image with a certain extended region even wheninternal image processing or a parameter such as a filter coefficient ismodified according to the settings of print quality and printing modesor the types of the object of an input image.

It was thus inevitable to provide not only the least amount of requiredminimum extended region but also the excessive extended region(redundant data region) with respect to the internal image processingand the parameters. This problem caused degradation in efficiency at thetime of data transfer and in processing performance.

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B show examples of the problem with the conventionaltechnology. The conventional technique generates a processed block 804of 40×40 pixels because an extended region 803 of 4 pixels in widtharound the block is required to place a filter 802 of 9×9 pixels on ablock 801 of 32×32 pixels.

Now, consider the case where the parameters are changed to use a filter805 of 5×5 pixels instead of the filter 802 of 9×9 pixels. In this case,the amount of a required minimum extended region 806 has a 2-pixel widtharound the block, and thus a processed block 807 of 36×36 pixels ispreferably generated. However, if the system has been designed so as notto allow a change in processing, then even after the parameter has beenchanged, the size of the extended region 803 required before theparameter is changed cannot be modified. Therefore, a redundant dataregion 808 to the periphery of the inevitable extended region 806 mustbe provided. As a result, the redundant data region 808 will beprocessed unnecessarily, this results in degradation in efficiency atthe time of data transfer and in processing performance.

The present invention has been developed in view of the above-describedproblems. It is therefore an object of the present invention to preventdegradation in transfer efficiency and processing performance bycomputing the size of a required extended region according to an inputimage or a user's printer setting to generate efficient processedblocks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to address the above-described problems, the present inventionprovides an image processing apparatus which is characterized byincluding the following units. That is, the apparatus includes an inputunit for inputting image data and printer setting information of theimage data; and an extended region computing unit for dividing the imagedata into a block region and computing an extended region of the dividedblock region based on the printer setting information. The imageprocessing apparatus further includes a generating unit for generating aprocessed block region with the extended region added to the blockregion; and a processing unit for performing image processing on theprocessed block region produced by the generating unit.

The present invention can add an appropriate extended region accordingto printer setting information to a block region obtained by dividingimage data. This makes it possible to eliminate the need for storingdata of the excessive extended region, thereby improved processingperformance is provided.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to theattached drawings).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are explanatory views illustrating an example of aconventional technique;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an image processingapparatus according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of band processing;

FIG. 4A is an explanatory view of block processing according to anembodiment, and FIG. 4B is an explanatory view of computationalprocessing of an extended region;

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating an example of a controller unit accordingto an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating an example of an image processing unitaccording to a first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an example of image processing accordingto an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory flowchart for processing according to the firstembodiment;

FIG. 9 is a view illustrating an example of a window according to anembodiment and a control unit displayed on MFP;

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating an example of a table for associatinguser instructions with the contents of each processing according to anembodiment;

FIG. 11A is a view of an example of a change in image processingaccording to an embodiment, illustrating pre-modified image processingand FIG. 11B and FIG. 11C are views of an example of a change in imageprocessing according to an embodiment, illustrating post-modified imageprocessing;

FIG. 12A, FIG. 12B and FIG. 12C are explanatory views illustratingextended region computational processing according to an embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a view illustrating an example of an image processing unitaccording to a second embodiment;

FIG. 14 is an explanatory flowchart for processing according to thesecond embodiment; and

FIG. 15 is a view illustrating an example of a table for associating thedivided block with the contents of the divided block according to thesecond embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

Now, embodiments of the present invention will be described below withreference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a full colorimage processing apparatus (a multi-functional apparatus with a copyfunction, printer function, and FAX function) according to an embodimentof the present invention. The image processing apparatus of thisembodiment includes a scanner unit 101, a document feeder (DF) 102, anda printer unit 113 having a 4-color drum for printing.

First, description will be given for a read operation to be mainlyperformed by the scanner unit 101.

A document is placed on a document stage 107, and then the DF 102 isclosed. Then, an open/close sensor 124 detects the document stage 107having been closed, and thereafter, light-reflecting document sizedetection sensors 126 to 130, located at the housing of the scanner unit101, detect the size of the placed document. Starting from the sizedetection, the document is illuminated with a light source 110, so thata CCD (Charge-coupled device) 131 receives reflected light from thedocument via a reflector 111 and a lens 112 to read the image. Then, acontroller unit 132 of the image processing apparatus converts the imagedata read by the CCD 131 into a digital signal, and then performs imageprocessing thereon for the scanner. The resulting signal is then storedas print image data in a memory 209, having ROM and RAM, in thecontroller unit 132.

The controller unit 132 described above will be described later withreference to FIG. 5.

In order to set an image on the DF 102 for reading, the user places thedocument with its face up on the tray of a document setting unit 103 ofthe DF 102. Then, a document presence sensor 104 detects the documenthaving been set, and in response thereto, a document feed roller 105 anda conveyor belt 106 rotate to feed the document. Thus, the document isset in position on the document stage 107. Subsequently, the image isread in the same manner as at the document stage 107, and the resultingprint image data is stored in the memory 209 of the controller unit 132.

After the reading has been completed, the conveyor belt 106 again startsrotating to feed the document, and the document is eventually ejectedinto a document delivery tray 109 via a delivery-side conveyor roller108. In the case of a plurality of documents, a document is deliveredout of the document stage 107 and at the same time, the next document isfed therein via the document feed roller 105, so that the next documentis continually read. The scanner unit 101 operates just as describedabove.

Next, description will be given for the printing operation mainlyperformed at the printer unit 113.

The print image data once stored in the memory 209 of the controllerunit 132 is again subjected to image processing for printing at thecontroller unit 132, as described later, and thereafter, transferredback to the printer unit 113. At the printer unit 113, the resultingprint image data is converted into a pulse signal through the PWMcontrol of the printer unit, to be described later, and then convertedat the laser writing unit into recording laser beams of four colors,i.e., Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, and Black.

Then, the recording laser beams are projected onto a photo-conductor 114for each color, thereby an electrostatic latent image is formed on eachphoto-conductor. Then, the printer unit 113 performs toner developmentof each photo-conductor 114 using the toner supplied from a tonercartridge 115, and then the toner image visualized on eachphoto-conductor is primarily transferred to an intermediate transferbelt 119. The intermediate transfer belt 119, rotating in the clockwisedirection in FIG. 2, allows the toner image to be transferred from theintermediate transfer belt 119 to a sheet of recording paper when therecording paper fed from a sheet cassette 116 through a paper feed path117 has reached a secondary transfer position 118.

The recording paper, to which the image has been transferred, has thetoner fixed thereon by pressure and heat at a fixer 120, and is then fedalong the feed path to be eventually delivered face down to a centertray 121 or face up to a side tray 122. In order to switch between thesedelivery ports, there is provided a flapper 123 which serves to switchbetween the feed paths.

For double-side printing, the flapper 123 switches between the feedpaths after the recording paper has passed through the fixer 120.Subsequently, the recording paper is sent downwardly by switchback andfed back to a secondary transfer position 118 via a double-side printsheet feed path 125 for double-side printing.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view illustrating band processing.

In order to proceed with image processing by band processing, theprocessing is executed while a pixel of interest 902 is moved insequence from the upper left of an input image 901. In order to performfiltering which requires surrounding image data in band processing, aline memory 904 of a full image width is required according to thefilter size in order to save the pixel data preceding the pixel ofinterest. For example, in order to place a filter 903 of 5×5 pixels onthe input image 901, the line memory 904 is required for a full 4 lines,while for a filter size of 7×7 pixels, the line memory 904 is requiredfor a full of 6 lines.

The line memory capacity for a full one line has increased with recentincreases in the image processing resolution and the number of signalbits, thus posing a problem with memory costs for filtering. For thisreason, there has occurred a need for block processing, to be describedlater.

FIG. 4A is an explanatory view illustrating block processing that isassumed in internal image processing of this embodiment. Blockprocessing divides the input image 901 into rectangular blocks 402having a predetermined size. Hereinafter, description will be givenassuming that the rectangular region has a size of 32×32 pixels;however, the block size is not limited thereto. Thus, various types ofrequired internal image processing will be performed block by block.

FIG. 4B is a view illustrating the concept of an extended region and theprocessing for computing the extended region, where the extended regionis required for performing processing by referencing the pixel data ofsurrounding block regions such as filtering at block processing.Performing filtering on the pixel of interest 403 of the block 402divided in FIG. 4A would cause the filter to extend out of the block. Inthis context, it is necessary to acquire data that overlaps the blockadjacent to the block 402. These blocks are referred to as the “extendedregion.” Suppose that a filter 404 of a given size (7×7 pixels in FIG.4B) is placed on the block 402 of 32×32 pixels. In this case, as shownin FIG. 4B, information of 3 pixels surrounding the pixel of interest403 is required. That is, as shown in FIG. 4B, for filtering of theblock 402, an extended region 405 of a width of 3 pixels is provided bya processed block region creating unit 302 of FIG. 6, to be describedlater, thereby a processed block 406 of 38×38 pixels is produced.

When using the above-described processing, the required memory capacitydepends only on the size of divided blocks, the filter size, and thenumber of signal bits. However, since the influence caused by anincrease in the image processing resolution can be reduced only by achange in the filter size, there will be less chance that memory costwill increase with the resolution as in the case of band processing.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view illustrating the controller unit 132 forcontrolling the image processing apparatus according to the firstembodiment shown in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 5, description will begiven for the controller unit 132 of the image processing apparatus. Theuser makes settings of the copier on a control unit 203. Upon receptionof an instruction from the user, a controller 205 provides control to anetwork I/F201, a display unit 204, the scanner unit 101, and theprinter unit 113.

Here, PDL data is received at the network I/F201. Then, the PDL datadescribed above is rendered at a PDL processing unit 202, andthereafter, the PDL data is sent to an image processing unit 207.

Furthermore, the scanner unit 101 sends, to the image processing unit207, the image signal received by the scanner unit 101. The imageprocessing unit 207 performs image processing on the received inputsignal to make it suitable for output by the printer, and then sends theimage processed data to the printer unit 113.

The controller unit 132, which includes a number of units such as a FAXtransmit/receive unit, is not directly related to the features of thisembodiment and thus not described in more detail.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of the imageprocessing unit 207 according to this embodiment. Referring to FIG. 6,detailed description will now be made for image processing performed bythe image processing apparatus.

The RGB/CMYK digital signals produced by the PDL processing unit 202 orthe RGB digital image signals of the document read by the scanner unit101 are spooled once in the memory 209.

The image processing unit 207 follows user instructions and the objectattributes of the input image to change the image processing of imageprocessing 303 of one or more image processing operations, to bedescribed later, and processing parameters such as filter sizes, usingthose units that will be described later.

Here, the above-described user instruction includes, for example,resolution settings or image quality mode settings. Furthermore, theabove-described object attributes are, for example, photograph orgraphics.

Then, an extended region computing unit 301 computes an extended regionrequired in the modified image processing 303 using the technique to bedescribed later. The processed block region creating unit 302 reads aprocessed block with an extended region (a block with an extension) fromthe memory 209, the extended region being computed by the extendedregion computing unit 301 and added to the input block. Subsequently,the internal image processing involved in the image processing 303 isperformed on the processed block for delivery of the output image to theprinter unit 113.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an example of the above-described imageprocessing 303 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, theimage processing 303 includes one or more image processing operationssuch as of a color conversion unit 501 and a filtering processing unit502; however, the contents of image processing are not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 7, description will now be made for each imageprocessing contained in the image processing 303 to be performed on theprocessed block 406 produced at the processed block region creating unit302.

First, the color conversion unit 501 performs a color conversion on theinput processed block to convert the RGB signal (8 bits for each color)and the CMYK signal to the CMYK (10 bits for each color). Then, thefiltering processing unit 502 performs filtering, thereby makingcorrection (such as sharpness enhancement) to the image that was colorconverted by the color conversion unit 501. At this stage, if a PDLsignal is input, the degree of the correction is reduced. Alternatively,the setting may also be made so as not to allow the correction at all.Next, a gamma correction unit 503 performs gamma correction whichcorrects the gamma value that means the ratio of the luminance of theimage to the input/output signal for reproducing the natural color, anda screen processing unit 504 executes screen processing for output tothe printer. Subsequently, a smoothing processing unit 505 executesanti-aliasing to remove the occurrence of jaggy at the edge portions,thereby creating an output image. The processing of the image processing303 of FIG. 6 and the parameter settings such as the filter size and thefilter coefficient are modified as described later.

Now, referring to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, description will bemade for the flow of the processing according to the first embodiment ofthe embodiments. The memory 209 stores the program for executing theflowchart shown in FIG. 8, in which the CPU (not shown) in thecontroller 205 reads and executes the program stored in the memory 209,thereby the flowchart of FIG. 8 is allowed to be executed.

First, in step S701, the control unit 203 of the copier or a computerconnected to a network receives settings of the image read format, theimage output print quality, and the choice of printing mode. Here, forexample, the printing mode includes the photograph mode (mode forprinting of photograph) and the document mode (mode for printing ofdocument).

In step S702, the image processing unit 207 switches between theparameter settings in accordance with the setting which have beenreceived in step S701, the image input format, the type of the inputimage object. Here, the parameter settings include, for example, thoseof the image processing 303, the filter coefficient, and the filtersize.

In step S702, the image input format is, for example, PDL, Scan, orCopy. Furthermore, in step S702, the type of object is, for example,graphics, photograph, and character.

Next, in step S703, the extended region computing unit 301 computes anextended region required for the image processing 303, based on theprocessing having been set in step S702.

Next, in step S704, the processed block region creating unit 302generates a processed block added with the extended region computed instep S703.

Next, in step S705, the image processing unit 207 executes imageprocessing 303 on the processed block produced in step S704.

Next, in step S706, the image processing unit 207 acquires the resultantprocessed block which has been obtained as a result of the imageprocessing having been executed in step S705.

Next, in step S707, the image processing unit 207 determines whether apage of resultant processed blocks is acquired.

If it is determined in step S707 that a page of resultant processedblocks has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S708.

In step S708, the image processing unit 207 combines each resultantprocessed block, thereby a page of resultant processed blocks isgenerated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S707 that a page ofresultant processed blocks has not been acquired, the process moves to anon-processed block, returning to the processing of step S704.

Each processing in step S701 to 707 will be described later in moredetail.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a print quality setting window of the displayunit 204 which is presented to the user at the time of print qualitysetting before starting printing.

The user specifies print quality and output settings (printer settinginformation) on the window as displayed in FIG. 9 at the control unit203 of the local computer or MFP (multi-functional printer). As thesettings of print quality, buttons 601 allow the settings of printresolution to be provided, e.g., for Fine (1200 dpi)/Normal (600dpi)/User setting (arbitrary resolution).

Furthermore, pressing buttons 602 allows for setting the printing modethat best fits with the desired output result. Thus, an optimal settingwill be automatically selected to suit the respective modes, so thatchoosing the photograph/graphics mode provides the output in vividcolors, while selecting the character mode allows for executingprocessing to make the deformation of characters or jaggy lessnoticeable. In addition, it is also possible for the user to determinedetailed settings using the user's setting button.

Furthermore, pressing a cancel button 603 would cancel the settings,while pressing an execute button 604 allows the print quality settingspecified on the print quality setting window to be executed.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a table in which user's settings and imagesare associated with the parameters of the image processing. Referring toFIG. 10, description will be made for the procedures for changing theimage processing 303.

Upon reception of user-specified settings entered at the control unit203 and input images, the image processing unit 207 is based on thetable of FIG. 10 to uniquely determine the settings of image processingand the parameters of the image processing in accordance with theprinting job, thereby modifying the image processing 303.

For example, when compared to the PDL image, the scan/copy image wouldcontain a larger amount of noise which may lead to deterioration inimage. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 10, to remove the noise, afilter of a size larger than one for PDL image filtering can be adopted.

Furthermore, in accordance with the print quality setting provided inFIG. 9, the filter size for filtering is changed. For example, if theprint quality “Fine” has been set, then the filter size is increased ascompared with the print quality “Normal.” This allows for increasing thestrength of filtering and providing improved print quality.

Furthermore, the smoothing processing for allowing stepped aliasing(jaggy) occurring with diagonal lines or curves to be made lessnoticeable can adopt the following parameters.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the image processing unit 207 will notperform the smoothing processing when the input image is photograph orgraphics.

Furthermore, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the smoothing processingcan use filters of different sizes according to the image qualitysetting when characters have been input. Furthermore, for example, asshown in FIG. 10, it is also possible to set so as not to perform thesmoothing processing itself when characters have been input.

FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B and FIG. 11C show examples of modified imageprocessing 303 performed in processing step S702.

The settings for the initial status of the image processing 303 havebeen provided so as to use all the internal image processing operationsas shown in FIG. 11A, allowing the image processing parameters to takethe maximum filter size available.

Here, for example, when for a scan/copy image, the image setting “Printquality: Normal, Printing purpose: photograph/graphics” has beenprovided by the user on the control window shown in FIG. 9, theprocessing below based on the table in FIG. 10 is executed. That is, asshown in FIG. 11B, the filter used for the filtering processing unit 502selects not one of 13×13 pixels but one of 7×7 pixels. As for thesmoothing processing 505, the processing itself is provided with the OFFsetting, and thus removed from the image processing 303.

Furthermore, for example, when for a scan/copy image, the image setting“Print quality: Normal, Printing purpose: User's setting (ON [5×5])” hasbeen provided by the user on the control window shown in FIG. 9, theprocessing below based on the table in FIG. 10 is executed. That is, asshown in FIG. 11C, the filtering processing unit 502 selects the filterof 7×7 pixels. Then, regarding the smoothing processing 505, the filtersize is 5×5 pixels, thus allowing the image processing 303 to beupdated.

Now, referring to FIG. 12A, FIG. 12B and FIG. 12C, description will bemade for processing (step S703) for computing an extended region in theextended region computing unit 301, when two or more processingoperations are involved that require the extension for the imageprocessing 303.

The image processing of FIG. 11A involves the image processing 303 thatincludes processing, which makes reference to surrounding pixels, suchas the 13×13 filtering processing unit 502 and the 7×7 smoothingprocessing 505. Now, description will be given for the processing forcomputing an extended region required to obtain a 32×32 pixel outputblock 410 as a result of this set of processing.

First, as shown in FIG. 12B, in order to obtain the output block 410 byperforming the 7×7 smoothing processing 505, an intermediate block 414is produced to which an extended region 413 of 3 pixels in width isadded to surround the same.

Next, as shown in FIG. 12C, the 13×13 filtering processing unit 502 isperformed, and then to obtain the intermediate block 414, the processedblock 407 is produced to which an extended region 416 of 6 pixels inwidth is added to around the same.

In this manner, the extended region 416 for the 13×13 filteringprocessing unit 502 and the extended region 413 for the 7×7 smoothingprocessing 505 are provided to the output block 410.

In this case, (6 pixels+3 pixels)=9 pixels in width serve as theextended region, requiring a processed block 407 of 50×50 pixels. Assuch, when there is a plurality of processes which require extendedregions within the image processing 303, the total of the extendedregions required for each of the processes is determined at the extendedregion computing unit 301 for provision by the processed block regioncreating unit 302.

In calculating an extended region required for each image processing inFIGS. 11( b) and (c), the extended region for the modified imageprocessing (FIG. 11B) has a width of 3 pixels which is required only forthe filtering unit. In this case, a processed block of 38×38 pixels isproduced.

That is, modifying the image processing makes it possible to reduce thedata amount of the processed block size to (38×38)/(50×50)=approximately43% as compared with FIG. 11A.

For modified image processing (FIG. 11C), the extension amount with awidth of (3 pixels+2 pixels)=5 pixels is provided to produce a processedblock of 42×42 pixels. In this case, it is possible to reduce the dataamount to (42×42)/(50×50)=approximately 71% compared with FIG. 11A.

In this embodiment, in accordance with the object of an input image andthe user settings, the size of the required extended region iscontrolled. This eliminates the need for transferring excessive data,thereby reduced is the load for transferring the processed block addedwith the extended region. Furthermore, image processing is modified,thereby eliminated is the need for processing of excessive extendedregions. Still furthermore, unnecessary processing needs not to beexecuted, thereby improved processing performance is provided.

Second Embodiment

Now, detailed description will be given for a second embodiment of theembodiments with reference to the drawings. In the description below,components that overlap those of the first embodiment will be omittedfrom detailed description.

In the first embodiment, the same extended region was adopted for allthe processed blocks within one page. On the other hand, in the secondembodiment, image analysis will be performed on the block to which aninput image has been divided into a given size, thereby an optimalextended region for each block is determined. The processing forbuilding the image processing according to the user's specification atthe time of starting printing is the same as that of the firstembodiment.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of the imageprocessing unit 207 according to the second embodiment. This isdifferent from the first embodiment in that an image processing controlunit 304 is included which functions to analyze the divided block andmodify the image processing.

The image processing control unit 304 analyzes a divided block to modifythe image processing 303. The analysis of the divided block is intendedto determine, for example, the attributes of the block such as theobject, character, and image or the amount of edges within the block.The modification of the image processing according to the divided blockwill be described later. As such, not only optimizing each job but alsomodifying the image processing for each divided block can optimize theentire image processing.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory flowchart showing the flow of the processingaccording to the second embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the processing in step S801 is the same as theprocessing of step S701 in FIG. 8 according to the first embodiment.Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the processing of step S802 isthe same as the processing of step S702 in FIG. 8 according to the firstembodiment.

In step S803, the second embodiment allows the image processing controlunit 304 to analyze the respective blocks which have been divided froman input image into a given size.

Next, in step S804, the image processing unit 207 switches between theparameter settings.

Description will be given later for the analysis of the blocks dividedin step S803 above and the switching between the parameter settings instep S804.

Next, in step S805, the extended region computing unit 301 computes anextended region which is optimal to the divided blocks.

Next, in step S806, the processed block region creating unit 302generates a processed block added with the extended region computed instep S805.

After that, in step S807, the image processing unit 207 executes imageprocessing 303 on the processed block produced in step S806.

Next, in step S808, the image processing unit 207 acquires the processedblock that has been obtained as a result of the image processing havingbeen executed in step S807.

Next, in step S809, the image processing unit 207 determines whether apage of resultant processed blocks has been obtained.

If it is determined in step S809 that a page of resultant processedblocks has been obtained, then the process proceeds to step S810.

Instep S810, the image processing unit 207 combines each resultantprocessed block to generate a page of resultant processed blocks.

If it is determined in step S809 that a page of resultant processedblocks has not been obtained, then the process moves on to anon-processed block, returning to the processing of step S803.

FIG. 15 is a view illustrating an example of a table which associatesthe divided block with the contents of the divided block.

The image processing control unit 304 analyzes the divided block tomodify the image processing 303.

For example, compressing the divided block may cause deterioration inimage by noise-induced fine smearing on the edge portions of the image.In this context, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, filters of largersizes can be used for the divided block of higher compressibility(higher degrees of image deterioration), thereby smoothing for noiseremoval can be performed. Here, the compressibility is determined basedon the amount of the noise and the degrees of deterioration of edge ofthe image.

Furthermore, for example, filters of smaller sizes can also be adoptedfor the divided block of lower compressibility (lower degrees of imagedeterioration) without smoothing thereof so as to leave its originalityas it is.

Furthermore, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, the divided blockcontaining a character region would require smoothing to remove jaggy.

On the other hand, the smoothing would have no effects on the dividedblock containing the attribute of photograph/graphics. Accordingly, asshown in FIG. 15, the smoothing is changed to ON only when the dividedblock contains characters.

Furthermore, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, the smoothing can also beeliminated for the processed block containing no data (i.e., underlyingimages).

Furthermore, the divided blocks may be compressed differently (byreversible compression or irreversible compression), so that theirreversible compression may cause the image processing to induce noise.Accordingly, for example, filters of larger sizes for removing noise maybe adopted for the irreversible compression compared with the reversiblecompression.

Also in the second embodiment, the block size can be computed in thesame manner as in the first embodiment.

As described above, this embodiment provides control for the size of therequired extended region by taking the analysis result of the dividedblock into account in addition to the object of the input image and theuser settings. This makes it possible to reduce the load fortransferring the processed block and improve the processing performance.

Third Embodiment

The present invention can be realized as an implementation in the formof, e.g., a system, an apparatus, a method, a program, or a storagemedium. More specifically, the invention may be applied to a system thatincludes a plurality of devices or to an apparatus that is made up ofone device.

Note that the present invention allows the software program thatrealizes the function of the above-described embodiment (in theembodiment, the program associated with the illustrated flowchart) to besupplied directly or remotely to the system or the apparatus. Theinvention also applies to the case where the function is realized by thecomputer of the system or the apparatus reading and executing thesupplied program code.

Accordingly, the program code itself installed in the computer toimplement the function processing of the present invention by thecomputer is also regarded as realizing the present invention. That is,the present invention includes the computer program itself for realizingthe function processing of the present invention.

In this case, the program maybe in the form of, e.g., an object code, aprogram executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to the OS aslong as it has the program function.

The recording medium for supplying the program may include, for example,the floppy (trademark) disk, the hard disk, or the optical disk. Stillfurthermore, the recording medium may also include the magneto-opticaldisk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card,ROM, or DVD (DVD-ROM or DVD-R).

As an alternative method for supplying the program, the browser of aclient computer may be used to connect to a homepage via the Internet.Then, the computer program itself of the present invention or acompressed file with an automatic function for installation can besupplied by downloading the same from the connected homepage to arecording medium such as a hard disk. It is also possible to divide theprogram code of the program of the invention into a plurality of files,each of which may be then downloaded from different homepages. That is,the present invention also includes a WWW server which allows theprogram file for implementing the function processing of the inventionby the computer to be downloaded to a plurality of users.

Furthermore, the program of the present invention encrypted and storedon a storage medium such as a CD-ROM may be distributed to users, sothat those users who meet the predetermined requirements are allowed todownload the cryptographic key information from the homepage via theInternet. Then, the user is allowed to execute the encrypted programusing the cryptographic key information and thereby install the programin the computer.

Still furthermore, the computer may read and execute the program,thereby the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized.On the other hand, based on the instructions of the program, forexample, the OS running on the computer may perform a part of or all ofthe actual processing, thereby the functions of the above-describedembodiments can be realized.

Furthermore, the program read from the recording medium may be writteninto a memory device which is included in a function extension boardinserted in the computer or a function extension unit connected to thecomputer. Then, based on the instructions of the program, a CPU includedin the function extension board or the function extension unit isallowed to perform a part of or all of the actual processing, therebythe functions of the above-described embodiments can be realized.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2008-132324, filed May 20, 2008, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

1. An image processing apparatus, comprising: an input unit forinputting image data and printer setting information of the image data,an extended region computing unit for dividing the image data into ablock region and computing an extended region of the divided blockregion based on the printer setting information, a generating unit forgenerating a processed block region with the extended region added tothe block region, and a processing unit for performing image processingon the processed block region produced by the generating unit.
 2. Theimage processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imageprocessing of the processing unit is filtering processing or smoothingprocessing and the image processing performs the processing based on theprinter setting information.
 3. The image processing apparatus accordingto claim 1, further comprising a combining unit for combining eachprocessed block region which has been image processed by the processingunit.
 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, whereinwhen the processing unit performs image processing at least once ormore, an extended region required in each image processing is determinedbased on the printer setting information, and an extended region of theblock region is computed using the determined plurality of extendedregions.
 5. An image processing apparatus for generating, from an inputimage, a processed block region smaller than the input image to performprocessing on each of the processed block regions, the image processingapparatus comprising: an image processing unit for processing the inputimage through image processing involving a combination of at least oneor more image processing operations, an extended region computing unitfor determining an extended region according to contents of the imageprocessing, and a processed block region generating unit for generatingthe processed block region according to the extended region.
 6. Theimage processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the extendedregions are all required by all the image processing operations.
 7. Theimage processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the imageprocessing unit modifies the image processing specified according to aninput method of the input image, and the extended region computing unitdetermines an extended region of a size required for the imageprocessing.
 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5,wherein the image processing unit modifies the image processingspecified according to the resolution of the input image, and theextended region computing unit determines an extended region of a sizerequired for the image processing.
 9. The image processing apparatusaccording to claim 5, wherein the image processing unit modifies theimage processing specified according to the input image, and theextended region computing unit determines an extended region of a sizerequired for the image processing.
 10. An image processing apparatus,comprising: an input unit for inputting image data, an extended regioncomputing unit for dividing the image data into a block region andcomputing an extended region for each of the divided block regions basedon a result obtained by analyzing each of the block regions, agenerating unit for generating a processed block region with theextended region added to the block region, and a processing unit forperforming image processing on a processed block region produced by thegenerating unit.
 11. The image processing apparatus according to claim10, further comprising a combining unit for combining each processedblock region which has been image processed by the processing unit. 12.The image processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein when theprocessing unit performs image processing at least once or more, anextended region required in each image processing is determined based onthe analyzed result, and an extended region of the block region iscomputed using the determined plurality of extended regions.
 13. Animage processing apparatus for generating, from an input image, adivided block smaller than the input image to perform processing on eachprocessed block region produced based on the divided block, the imageprocessing apparatus comprising: an image processing unit for processingthe input image through image processing involving a combination of atleast one or more image processing operations, an image processingcontrol unit for analyzing the divided block to modify the imageprocessing, an extended region computing unit for determining anextended region according to contents of the image processing, and aprocessed block region generating unit for generating the processedblock by adding an extension to the divided block according to theextended region.
 14. The image processing apparatus according to claim13, wherein the extended regions are all required by all the imageprocessing operations.
 15. The image processing apparatus according toclaim 13, wherein the image processing control unit modifies the imageprocessing according to an object contained in the divided block. 16.The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the imageprocessing control unit modifies the image processing according to imagedeterioration of the divided block.
 17. An image processing method,comprising: an input step for inputting image data and printer settinginformation of the image data, an extended region computing step fordividing the image data into a block region and an extended region iscomputed of the divided block region based on the printer settinginformation, a generating step for generating a processed block regionwith the extended region added to the block region, and a processingstep for performing image processing on a processed block regionproduced by the generating step.
 18. An image processing method forgenerating, from an input image, a processed block region smaller thanthe input image to perform processing on each of the processed blockregions, the method comprising: an image processing step for processingthe input image through image processing involving a combination of atleast one or more image processing operations, an extended regioncomputing step for determining an extended region according to contentsof the image processing, and a processed block region generating stepfor generating the processed block region according to the extendedregion.
 19. A program for allowing a computer to execute an imageprocessing method, and capable of being stored in a computer-readablestorage medium, the image processing method comprising: an input stepfor inputting image data and printer setting information of the imagedata, an extended region computing step for dividing the image data intoa block region and computing an extended region of the divided blockregion based on the printer setting information, a generating step forgenerating a processed block region with the extended region added tothe block region, and a processing step for performing image processingon a processed block region produced by the generating step.